Mental Health
Our mental health shapes to how we feel, think, and act. It also effects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. One in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year, which means we all know someone it affects.
Maintaining good mental health usually requires a combination of nutrition, movement, support, medication, and therapy. Talk to your doctor about which options may work best for you. Here are other resources.
Low cost and free mental health care through medical insurance
Mental health care is now more affordable for many state employees and their family members covered by the Minnesota Advantage Health Plan. Highlights include:
- Some mental health office visits are free if you’re primary care clinic is a cost level 1 or 2. You’ll have no deductible or copay when you get care, unless you signed up for the High Deductible Health Plan.
- You will save $20 at each mental health office visit if your primary care clinic is cost level 3 or 4. You have to pay your deductible before insurance starts to pay for your care.
- You may see any mental health provider in your network. You do not need a referral from your primary care clinic.
- If you see a provider who is not in your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota or HealthPartners network, you pay the entire bill yourself. The medical plan does not pay for out-of-network care.
Call the number on the back of your Blue Cross or HealthPartners ID card to get details specific to your situation.
Get care online
Online mental health and substance use disorder care is available through Blue Cross or HealthPartners.
Help right away, 24 hours a day, every day
Employees and the people they live with (including kids away at college) can get free, confidential help seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The sessions:
- Are through the state’s Lifestyle Benefits within the Employee Assistance Program.
- Take place in your area, by phone or video call.
- Can also recommend resources within the community or your health plan.
Call any day and anytime. Find the phone number on your intranet site or in Self Service Announcements.
Learn more about costs and services
Check out the mental health topic in the table of contents of the Summary of Benefits for the Minnesota Advantage Health Plan or the High Deductible Health Plan to learn more about what services are covered and how much you may pay for the care. The benefits summary, not the overview on the website, determines what gets paid for and how through your medical plan.
Other resources
- LifeMatters provides articles, assessments, videos, and webinars that can support your mental health. LifeMatters is the vendor for the state’s Employee Assistance Program. Find the password on your intranet site or in Self Service Announcements.
- Many clinics across the state offer therapy online.
- A healthy lifestyle may help reduce symptoms of mental illness. The state’s Well-being program provides challenges and activities that supports your physical and mental health.
- You might qualify for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Contact your agency’s or organization’s human resource office to learn more.
- Learn more about more about mental health from the Minnesota Department of Health.
